You’ve tried your best to get in shape. You’ve set up a small gym at home and fixed your bad health habits. Yet, you haven’t even made a dent in your weight loss goal. Doing things on your own isn’t really cutting it. You start to wonder about signing up for a gym membership. The gym seems like a good idea, a place that is completely dedicated to your health and fitness. What could go wrong?
You’ve managed to think about the pros and cons of joining a gym, and now decided to sign up for one. Take a breath before rushing into anything. Remember to ask around to make sure you are not biting off more than you can chew.
A lot of us sign up for the gym in the first months of the year and will eventually drop it before it reaches the second half of the year. There are so many things to consider before signing up for the gym that we often overlook. Before you dive in head first to the gym, here are some questions you need to ask before signing your name in those dotted lines.
Will I Be Paying Monthly or Upfront?
There are different ways of payment. Knowing the best possible one for you is important. There are some gyms that require one upfront payment, allowing the recipient a specific time frame to use the premises. There are also upfront payments for membership and such. For example, there is an upfront payment for one year unlimited gym membership or an upfront payment for initial membership. The other usual option is monthly payment. Ask them about the rules on monthly payments. What does it include and how does it work. There can be hidden costs in their dues too so ask about every nook and cranny about their payment methods.
What is included in your membership fee?
Are you allowed to attend all the different classes, are you given free towels, can you use the different premises? Are you allowed to stay in the gym for a long time? And so on. It’s important to know all the benefits you will be getting from being a member. This can also help you compare gym memberships and find out which one can give more for your money.
What is the cancellation policy?
This is incredibly important. There are certain gyms that do not cancel your monthly payment for a specific period of time. So, even if you do not go to the gym and use their facilities, you are still required to pay the monthly bill. Talk to the agent and ask about cancelation fees or how you can freeze your account if ever you choose to stop using their facilities and services.
What is the guest policy?
Can you bring friends to see the gym or do they allow non-members to enter the area?
Free Trial
Do they give a few days free trail before you commit to the membership? This can be helpful to you. Knowing the feel of the place and experiencing the atmosphere and machines can help you make the final decision.
Gyms can be intimidating and scary. You will meet different kinds of people at the gym but before you meet these people, you need to meet the gym agents first. This person is trained to talk their way into making you sign up. They can add pressure to your decision. Don’t let them get through your head. It is still up to you if you want to sign up or not.
